Albums

“Filled with universal truths, World of Possibility is a joy to listen to. As it says on his website, mix some Harry Chapin with some vintage James Taylor, and you’ve got Arlon Bennett. This album rests on a foundation of killer production (not overproduction) by John Sonntag of Thunder Pumpkin Recording… definitely Arlon’s best effort to date.” – Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live, December 2012

“Every song opens up with a beautiful sound that makes you want to listen for what’s coming. . . . I liked the whole thing.” –The Cucumbers

Whether showing influences from country or rock, the superior songcraft and crisp production of Stars allows every rootsy beat, pluck and pick to resonate. – Joe Student, PhillyEDGE Editor

As a DJ for a progressive Community radio station, I get sent a lot of solicited and unsolicited music and my heartfelt appreciation goes out to every musician who’s poured their heart and soul into their craft. Fortunately some of this music, like John Sonntag’s “Chasing Stars”, is head and shoulders above the rest. Wow, what a killer CD! – Mark Ostrov, DJ – KVMR-FM, Navada City, CA

“Raised From The Dust” – 2004
Much anticipated follow up to “Workings of the Heart”. Ansel’s independent release. Produced by John Sonntag.

“Ansel Matthews, whose CD, “Raised from the Dust” has just been released is one of the most exciting singers I’ve heard in a long while. He’s an interesting mixture of soul jazz singers Jon Lucien and Terry Callier, who fascinatingly – he’s never heard, with a little bit of Richie Havens thrown in. As well as having one of the most soothing voices I’ve heard, he’s an incredibly gifted composer and lyricist.” — All About Jazz, February 2005

Here’s another great production from John Sonntag of Thunder Pumpkin Recording. Esther Friedman made this CD in 2005 and we just caught up to it at this conference. Esther has a clear, compact, bell-like alto, and while her sound suggests someone small, her expressiveness packs a big wallop… .. . the biggest payoff comes early — in the second track — “Tied to a Tumbleweed.” This might be the most beautifully produced song out of all the CDs reviewed here… There are other good songs on this CD. The violin backup on the sweet ballad “Shine On” is transporting. – Richard Cuccaro of Acoustic Live. Dec. 2012